Embattled Petrojam - HR manager quits

The embattled human resource manager for Petrojam, Yolande Ramharrack, has resigned. Her resignation took effect on November 22.

Ramharrack had been under scrutiny since July when it was revealed that she was hired without the required qualifications and was earning just over $13 million a year, almost twice her predecessor's pay.

In response to her resignation, Dr Wykeham McNeill, chairman of Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC), told The Gleaner that while the committee had several concerns relating to her employment, it was never about personality.

Additionally, he stated that further employment at Petrojam must adhere to strict guidelines to keep the company legitimate and free of corrupt practices.

"The concern we had simply had to do with the process by which she was employed. That process, we believe, was flawed. It included the releasing of the person who held the position before, her retaining the position, and the salary and increases along the way - a number of things," said McNeill.

He said that the PAAC would be seeking to find out what happened and why as it relates to Ramharrack's resignation.

PROPER SELECTION PROCESS

"And secondly, we are going to insist that going forward, the proper selection process be done in the correct manner, following proper procedures and guidelines," said McNeill.

Ramharrack had admitted during a sitting of the PAAC that the advertisement to which she responded for the position required applicants to have a Master of Business Administration degree, which she did not have in February 2017 at the time of applying.

Up to July 2018, Ramharrack still did not have an MBA. Her highest qualifications included an undergraduate degree and several certificates. She advised the committee that she was "halfway through" completing her MBA.

But she replaced Roselee Scott-Heron, who held a diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as a host of certificates.

Ramharrack's salary started at $6.9 million in 2017, but her total package rose to more than $12 million in a year as she benefited from an increase in the salary band. It then moved to more than $13.04 million when allowances were added.

Her resignation is the latest in a string of departures at Petrojam and follows that of the general manager, Floyd Grindley. The energy minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, was also forced to relinquish the post over a series of scandals at Petrojam.

paul.clarke@gleanerjm.com